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Personal Resiliency Assessment Quiz

The word "resilience" has been used frequently since the events of September 11, 2001. Children, families, communities, and the nation as a whole have all been described as resilient, or having the ability to function well despite experiencing highly stressful events. In everyday language, resiliency is the ability to "roll with the punches" and cope with life events, both negative (e.g., health problems) and positive (e.g., birth of a child). Some stressful events, such as unemployment, divorce, widowhood, and disability, affect people individually. Others, such as layoffs, plant closings, and acts of terrorism, affect large groups of people or society as a whole.

Resiliency varies from person to person according to the situation at hand and personal resiliency resources. Two people can experience exactly the same situation but handle it very differently. How easily could you handle a health, financial, or other type of life crisis? Take the quiz below to find out.

Note: By taking this quiz you will be contributing to a study on resiliency resources. Your results will be recorded anonymously. We are not collecting any identifying information. You will need to complete each survey question and each demographic question in order to receive your score.

Financial Resources

1.

I have an "emergency" fund of at least three months expenses set aside in a liquid account such as passbook savings or a money market mutual fund.

Yes

Sometimes (sometimes yes and sometimes no)

No

2.

I have a low-interest home equity line of credit (or other low-cost source of funds) established that can be tapped in the event of an emergency.

I have a long-term disability insurance policy that will replace at least half of my income if I am unable to work due to accident or illness.

Yes

Sometimes (sometimes yes and sometimes no)

No

Not applicable to my personal situation

5.

I am covered by a health insurance policy with a high ($1 million or an unlimited amount) per person limit for major medical expenses.

Yes

Sometimes (sometimes yes and sometimes no)

No

6.

I keep my job skills current through formal education, on-the-job training, professional meetings, and other methods.

Yes

Sometimes (sometimes yes and sometimes no)

No

Not applicable to my personal situation

7.

I have recommended estate planning documents such as a will, living will, and durable power of attorney (answer &quot;Sometimes&quot; if you have some of these documents but not all of them).

Yes

Sometimes (sometimes yes and sometimes no)

No

8.

I spend less than I earn and regularly make deposits into saving or investment accounts.

Yes

Sometimes (sometimes yes and sometimes no)

No

9.

I am the beneficiary of a life insurance policy owned by another person (e.g., spouse) and/or I own a life insurance policy that protects my dependents.

Yes

Sometimes (sometimes yes and sometimes no)

No

10.

I have a tax-deferred retirement savings plan (e.g., 401(k) or 403(b) or IRA) to which I make regular deposits and from which I could borrow or withdraw money if I had to.

Yes

Sometimes (sometimes yes and sometimes no)

No

Not applicable to my personal situation

Social/Community Resources

11.

I have at least 5 close friends or family members that I could call to help me in the event of an emergency or a crisis.

Yes

Sometimes (sometimes yes and sometimes no)

No

12.

I am aware of government and non-profit agencies in my community that could assist me if I was in need.

Yes

Sometimes (sometimes yes and sometimes no)

No

13.

I have regular physical exams by my doctor and health screening tests at recommended intervals.

Yes

Sometimes (sometimes yes and sometimes no)

No

Personal Resources

14.

I am able to easily search for needed information on the Internet or at the public library.

Yes

Sometimes (sometimes yes and sometimes no)

No

15.

I would describe myself as a "positive" (optimistic) person and am often heard to say "it could have been a lot worse" when bad things happen.

Yes

Sometimes (sometimes yes and sometimes no)

No

16.

I would describe myself as an "organized" person who can juggle many tasks and stay on top of everything. My household papers (e.g., health and financial records) are well organized and I can find specific pieces of information easily.

Yes

Sometimes (sometimes yes and sometimes no)

No

17.

I would describe myself as a "focused" person. When I make up my mind to do something, I somehow figure out a way to get it done.

Yes

Sometimes (sometimes yes and sometimes no)

No

18.

I would describe myself as being "in good health" with good nutrition, adequate exercise and sleep, and no major health problems. (answer "Sometimes" if you can answer yes to some of these things, but not all of them).

Yes

Sometimes (sometimes yes and sometimes no)

No

19.

I would describe myself as having good stress management skills and an ability to handle crises and unexpected events.

Yes

Sometimes (sometimes yes and sometimes no)

No

20.

I consider myself "literate" with a good ability to read and write and understand basic health and financial terminology.

Yes

Sometimes (sometimes yes and sometimes no)

No

Demographic Data

21.

What is your gender?

Male

Female

22.

What is your current age in years?

Under 25

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65-74

75 and over

23.

What state do you live in? (If you don't live in the U.S., select "Not a U.S. Resident")

24.

What county do you live in? (If you don't live in New Jersey, select "Not a N.J. Resident")